There is so much jargon flying about these days about sustainability and being "green" that it is hard to make sense of it all. What does it all mean and what can you really do in your life, your home, or your school or business to make a difference?

To begin, we attempt to define sustainability in simple terms: it is an understanding and accounting for the idea that our society, economy, and environment are linked to each other and all three are affected by each decision we make. It has also been said that sustainable living patterns are those which meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Using "green" or sustainable products and behaving in a sustainable manner is to recognize that your personal imprint, sometimes referred to as your "green footprint" or "carbon footprint," has a considerable impact today and in the future. Collectively, how we all leave our "green footprint" results in a greater or lesser impact on the earth and our environment today, tomorrow and for many decades to come.

Sustainable Carroll

is your portal to information about what is happening locally on the environmental front and will be a source of information about energy efficiency and environmental sustainability ideas worldwide via links to a wide variety of websites.

Sustainable Carroll is headquartered in the Carroll County Department of Planning at 225 N. Center St. in Westminster. We invite you to use this office as a way to exchange information with Sustainability Coordinator Neil Ridgely. He can be reached at 410-386-2145 or emailed at nridgely@ccg.carr.org.

Most matters pertaining to our environment are examined by the County's Environmental Affairs Council (EAC), which meets monthly. Information about the EAC and their meeting agendas can be found at http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/eac/default.asp

Additionally, the County has an ad hoc Sustainability Committee comprised of members of the green business community and several County department heads. This committee meets monthly to discuss how the County conducts its business and operations and how to work progressively towards more sustainable alternatives for the future. Meetings are generally held on the first Friday morning of every month. Contact the Sustainability Coordinator for the exact dates, location and agenda.

Whats New
Wind Turbines eligible for $20,000 grants $25 discounts available on native trees through Marylanders Plant Trees Program